Where to begin?

I don't even know how to cover everything that's happened since my last post. I guess first and foremost, life has been GREAT. I really feel like I'm living the life I envisioned for myself nearly a year ago. Summer has been great, filled with new friends, new experiences and lots and lots of partying. I didn't know I had it in me to go out 5 consecutive nights every week. I'm so glad I've discovered the party scene right for me. Although I am having a lot of fun and living it up, I'm trying to stay level-headed about keeping a balance and knowing when to cool down. It's much too easy to easy to cause your own destruction in this city. Aside from nightlife, day life has been great too. My job at American Apparel is going well, although I've found that it's a poorly run company with many, many flaws. I like the people I work with and I'm earning money so that's good enough for me. All this extra cash flow has allowed me to reward myself: Prada sneakers, Italian leather sandals from Barneys and the new iPhone 4 - all of which are amazing. I also joined DavidBartonGym, a very nice gym in Chelsea notorious for it's attractive homosexual male clientele. I saw Anderson Cooper in the locker room the other day. Sadly, I will be leaving the city soon to travel home to Michigan and also to Japan. I guess that's all the more reason to really let loose until then! This weekend is actually Gay Pride which, so far, has been crazy in a good way. Tuesday I went to a party thrown by Nylon magazine with my good friend Nadine and after went to Cafeteria, a chic diner in Chelsea. Wednesday I met up with a few friends at Big Top, a party thrown by former club kid and nightlife personality Amanda Lepore which I've been going to for the past several weeks. Thursday I went to The Park with the usual people and just hung out and had a few drinks. Friday was a great way to kick off Gay Pride - starting at the chic TriBeCa Gand Hotel then to a friend's house party in the Financial District followed by a huge gay party called Rockit, which I thankfully gained entry without having to wait in line behind the other hundred or so people or having to pay thanks to some strategic planning by my friends who were already inside. Unfortunately, tonight I did the responsible adult thing and stayed in due to exhaustion from the night before and the fact that I have to be at work at 9am tomorrow morning. I'll thank myself for it later I'm sure. Anyway, I know that all I need to do is to keep doing what I'm doing and I'll continue to live my dream.

Change.

I believe that the time for change is now. I'm approaching the end of my first year of college and I have come far from where I started. I've recently moved into my first apartment and even found a job, working retail at American Apparel. These past ten months have been the most significant, I believe, in making me realize who I am and who I am becoming. So many of my beliefs and feelings have changed, almost nothing was what I thought it would be. Although it has been difficult and stressful, I'm using this experience to my advantage. I am out to make some real changes in how I live and who I feel I should be based on what I know now - and actions start with words. I can't coast by anymore on my presumptions from days past and hope things come my way. I have been very lucky thus far in my life with having to do little or nothing and for that I am grateful. But now I need to awaken. It sounds corny and cliché even as I type it but it's true. I'm here for a reason and that reason is not to just exist, but to live. I need to live.

Spring Has Sprung.

Obvious from the fact that I haven't blogged in just shy of a month, I have been very busy lately. Since fashion week, school work has become more time consuming and my internship feels like a real job. Although it is becoming more and more demanding as I earn more responsibility, never have I had more fun learning about the industry I want to work in while getting valuable experience. This last weekend, I got to help my mentor Angela shoot the cover story for our next issue, the 4th anniversary issue featuring Meghan Collison who was on the cover of Italian Vogue three times and Russian Vogue once. I had so much fun helping put together looks with countless pieces of the best designer collections and being around such cool people. I cannot WAIT for the issue to go to press - I will definitely be shelling out the $20 for this one.

Aside from my internship, all is good. My social life hasn't been as happening as I would've hoped since Fashion Week but I am willing to sacrifice a little if it means staying on top of school while being able to intern at such a cool place. School is okay, I'm enjoying most of my classes. One of which I'm not, however, is Consumer Behavior which, unfortunately, I was really excited for. I also do not appreciate my 9am classes. BUT, things may be looking up in my previously dormant love life... Stay tuned!

Busiest Week Ever

Never in my life have I had a week this busy AND fun. Starting the thursday before last was New York Fashion week and my internship at METAL was in full swing. All week I was running from place to place getting ready for METAL's fashion week closing party as well as going from show to show looking at the season's newest collections. I also experienced my first show in the famous tents at Bryant Park! It was amazing. So many chic people in black and fur - I got to see some of the industry's leaders and notables. In addition to the shows, I went to presentations which are basically come-and-go type events where you can view the collections like a gallery. I got to go to a few fashion parties too, starting monday night. Got to meet a lot of cool people, saw some people I already knew and definitely had a lot of fun. The METAL party itself was a success and I was glad to be a part of it, even though I stood out in the cold doing the guestlist for nearly three hours. I felt like I had so much power holding the clipboard and deeming people worthy or not of entering. Aside from fashion week, I helped out at a look book shoot that my mentor was styling for and that was a lot of fun. I got to help put looks together and accessorize them to shoot. It took two very long days but I think it will turn out well. Now that fashion week is over, I probably won't be as busy but I hope the positive experiences keep coming! Until next time, which hopefully will be sooner than the last time I posted.

Growing Up...

... Is inevitable, unfortunately. More and more I'm starting to realize why people always say "Don't be in such a hurry to grow up." In this great city, I feel like I have come such a long way from when I used to dream of coming here to experience and live. Although I love it here and I wouldn't trade it for anything, I'm still nostalgic of what it was like to be on the outside looking in. Anyway, classes have started and everything seems fine. I don't foresee any dull lectures which is a relief. I also somehow worked out my schedule to accommodate tuesday and friday as days off so I could get a job or an internship... which I have! I've been offered an intern position at a small but very promising magazine. Today I actually experienced my first task of working for a fashion magazine: returns. Basically I was responsible for returning clothes and accessories to designer showrooms and PR offices. It was tiring, it gave my biceps a workout, it took me all over the city, I met someone new, accidentally hit a chinese woman in the head and even saw Kelly Cutrone. It was an interesting day.

I'm Back

I'm back in the city after four weeks of rest, relaxation, travel and, of course, shopping. My winter break was very enjoyable, filled with family and friends. After coming back to the US from Tokyo, most of my time was spent vegetating in my house but I did change out of my sweatpants for one fun weekend in Chicago. Now I'm sitting in my room, mentally preparing myself for spring classes to start tomorrow. I'm definitely excited to learn new things, make new friends and come that much closer to achieving my goals. Speaking of goals, I've decided on three New Year's Resolutions to stick to: 1) Exercise more - so far, this has been going great. Since coming back, I've gone to yoga twice and the fitness room three times. After gaining a bit of weight during break, I really hope I stick to this one. 2) Make more friends - i would say this one is going relatively well, too seeing as I made a bunch of new friends in Tokyo, two of whom I've already seen in the four days I've been here AND classes start tomorrow so there will be plenty of opportunity there. 3) Be more well-mannered and refined - this one is more difficult. Anyway, 2010 and this semester is looking good from where I stand so I hope as time progresses my feelings remain the same!

Another Year Older...

And hopefully another year wiser! Today is my 19th birthday but I can't say i'm that excited. Sure I'm happy and thankful for everything but 19th is such a blah age. It does sound older than 18 but still younger than 20. So I'm back from Tokyo and chilling in Michigan. This trip to Japan was probably the most fun I've had out of all my trips to Japan. Thanks to everyone who made it great! I can't wait to be back. Michigan is boring and bland as usual but it is relaxing being somewhere so quiet and calm and slow-paced. I'll be back in the city soon enough and I should enjoy the time I have here because I won't be back for at least 4 or 5 months... if i decide to go back. Honestly, I feel no attachment to Michigan aside from my friends and family that still live here. I'm so thankful for being able to move to the city and, as corny as it sounds, chase my dreams.

KFNY Goes To Tokyo

So I'm back in my ORIGINAL hometown of Tokyo, yet again, and of course I'm loving it. Although I've lived here and visit annually, I find new things and new experiences every time I come for a visit. Although vastly different from New York, and much larger, I love Tokyo just as much. Today was actually my first day in Tokyo since flying in a week ago since I've been vacationing with family and celebrating the New Year, which is huge in Japan. Over New Year's Eve, we stayed at a hot springs resort in Hiroshima and did the usual sightseeing and not-so-usual sightseeing like the Atomic Bomb museum. Two words: SO DEPRESSING. But I got over it. Already, I've hung out with friends in Tokyo and have gone to the usual places. I can't wait to enjoy the rest of my week here! One thing I really miss about New York though are the 24 hour subways. Who goes home before 1am, stays out until 5am, or would spend $50 on a cab ride!? Tokyo-ians apparently.

As I prepare to leave...

I'm very contemplative about the time I've spent here. It's hard to believe that I only came here 5 short months ago and how much has changed in that time. I feel good about how I finished my first semester of college but I will try harder next semester... make it more of a challenge to myself. If this is the field I really want to excel in, I might as well get the most out of my education. Studies aside, this semester has been emotionally and psychologically challenging. Life in New York is vastly different from life back in Michigan and I'm still adapting. Here in New York, I feel that there is so far to climb to make it to the top, and I plan on making it to the top. Although I have loved being in the city and all of it's excitement, this break is a welcome one. I can't wait to be back in my own house and not care what I look like for 7 days straight. It will be a nice change from putting myself completely together every morning. I'm also excited for Tokyo and seeing my father and his family. Visiting Japan is always a pleasant experience and I learn something new every time. As I pack for my vacation of rest, relaxation, and, hopefully, shopping, I say goodbye to you New York City, for now. But I will be back fresh and better than ever.

It's that time of year...

The holidays. This being my first holiday season in New York, I was excited to experience all that winter in the city had to offer. I forgot to take into account that I would be swamped with finals. Although I have had some time to explore New York further, it is becoming less and less exciting. True, it's the most exciting place on earth but I think I'm really starting to become a New Yorker... just another 9 and a half years and it will be official. As first semester draws to a close, I feel i've learned a lot so far, not only in school but so much more than I expected. Who knew a year ago what I would've experienced by now. One thing that I've learned is telling the real from the fake and i'm not talking about handbags. Back home, it was easy to tell, for me at least, who i clearly liked and did not like. There was no second guessing. I had my best friends that I've had by my side for 10 years or more. In this new situation, it's a lot harder. Being at a design school, the vast majority of people i'm surrounded by seem cool and unique people I'd like to know. However, there are just as many fake people devoid of genuine personality, it's just harder to tell. Luckily, I have those close few that I know will always be there and until I find more friends like that, I guess i'll just have to stay true to myself, however cheesy it may sound.

Thanksgiving

I went back to Michigan for Thanksgiving and was really not looking forward to what was in store as soon as I left the airport and saw the familiar long stretches of highway with nothing but trees and farm. AND it was shitty weather. But, after coming back to the greatest city in the world, I do appreciate going back to suburbia to really appreciate where I am now. And it was GREAT to see my family and old friends, I miss them always. It did feel great, though, as soon as I left the Manhattan air back in my lungs. This is where I belong!

The time has come...

... For me to leave my beloved city behind for a few days. It will be hard, especially trading in the view from my window (above) to a view of my backyard because New York has become my backyard. I may be going 'home' for Thanksgiving, but I won't be going to my 'hometown.' New York is my home. BUT, i am inexpressibly excited to see my friends and family. The only drawback i can call to mind living here, at this moment, is the physical distance between myself and the people I wish to keep from my old life.

As the holidays draw near, I look back on the time I've spent in New York thus far and can't wait to experience more. Living here has been a great experience and there is no doubt I'm here to stay. I've registered for classes next semester and feel confident that I'm on the right path to becoming who I want to be. All i need to do now is sit back and enjoy the journey.

Is time really fleeting?

The saying goes, time is fleeting. Which is true, in a sense, because once time has passed, it's irretrievable. But does that mean we need to go out and experience everything we want to experience as soon as possible? In this great city where living in the fast lane is the norm, I can't help but feel like there are so many things I should be doing. I constantly feel the need to ask myself, what is the hurry? I'm young, I'm in school working towards something I've always wanted, and I'm living in the greatest city in the world. Time may be fleeting, but I need to enjoy what I'm doing now and not worry about things I will eventually experience. Besides, where's the fun if you've already "been there, done that?"

My Own Little World

I have been so busy lately, that it has been two weeks since my last post. School work is increasing and it's that time where I'm right in the middle of the semester where the end is in sight. My first New York Halloween was fun, but unfortunately not extremely memorable. I missed the parade which I was looking forward to, due to rain and an untimely nap. Thanksgiving is drawing near and it will be nice to see old friends and family but I dread leaving this city. In the nearly four months I've lived here, I've left the island of Manhattan twice, the New York Metropolitan area once. I guess it must happen every once in a while to remind myself that there is a world outside of this tiny island.

Just Another Night.

Today was like my 12th visit to the MET since I've moved here and never have I enjoyed it as much as I did today. I went with some classmates to do an assignment involving Asian art for my art history class and visited the rooftop terrace after the necessary exhibits were visited. it was beautiful. I decided I'm going to buy the MET and make it into my home someday. I also went shopping for my Halloween costume with Jen, my counterpart, today at American Apparel and it has me excited for Halloween! I also get to see my mother that weekend.

On my way to a tapas/wine bar for dinner, an older woman in a hurry started a conversation with me on the street. Needless to say, I was kind of weirded out at first but it ended up being one of those strange encounters that you remember fondly. Her name was Krannie and we are both capricorns.

I Love You, New York

Not in the mood to do homework, I decided I would treat myself to a movie night by myself. It was strange going out to a movie solo but it honestly was nice to be alone for once. In a city where there are people all around you, it's very rare to get those moments of isolation you need every once in a while. Tonight, I got this moment while walking the 16 blocks from my dorm to the theatre and back. The movie itself was very good and reminded of of Paris, je t'aime. They were probably made by the same people. What I liked about it was it reminded me of why I love New York so much: those little moments where you really feel alive, those chance encounters with strangers on the street, an instant in time you know will never happen again. I can't wait to experience all that the city has in store for me in these coming years.

Recovering...

So I wouldn't say I'm still sick but I'm not yet healthy. It turns out I had a bacterial infection in my lungs... yum. So, I'm still coughing and have a runny nose but I've taken antibiotics and should be healthy soon. Fall in is full swing and with the new season comes many new things... like the moccasin boots, KOTO sweater and Zara jacket I bought this month :] and maybe... new romance? We'll see. But for now, I will be nice and warm in my new fall gear just taking in stride whatever October has in store for me. Also, I cannot wait until Halloween. What other holiday let's you dress up as whatever you want to be and party all night? This one should be good.

I'm Sick

I hate being sick. I don't know who likes it but I really really hate it. Every year, I think to myself, I'm going to be extremely proactive about not getting sick and I will stay healthy. It never works. No matter how many glasses of orange juice I drink, how many times I wash my hands and how actively I try and avoid sick people, I get sick. And although I feel like New York is my home, this is one of those times where I miss living with family where your mom is always right there to comfort you. I guess it's one of those defining moments when you know taking care of yourself when you're sick is part of being an adult. So, I'm popping in Sex and the City: The Movie and popping a few more Tylenol severe cold and riding this bitch out. Wish me luck!

A Weekend to Remember

My weekend was definitely an eventful one. After a little bout of homesickness, the perfect thing to do was visit a good friend, which I did - at Harvard! I love Boston with it's old-town feel and historic significance. And it has decent shopping! I picked up a pair of black moccasin boots that i've been looking out for for a while. After shopping and a delicious italian dinner at the North End, I had a real college experience and attended a frat party. Needless to say, it was a very interesting but fun experience.

After returning to the great island of Manhattan, I had a night you could only have in New York City. I won't go into detail, but I look forward to many nights like that, minus the second degree burns and ruined white jeans.

New Yorker

This evening around 6pm, I went up near Times Square to the Parsons fashion building to sit in on a lecture from the CEO of IDEO. It was very interesting to hear his insights on the design industry today and how he thinks design thinking should be more integrated into everyday life. After leaving the lecture, in true New Yorker style, I'd thought i'd brave the cold, early-fall weather and WALK the 35 blocks or so home. I made it 10 blocks and one Starbuck's before I gave up and hopped on a subway. Although I didn't make it all the way, I definitely felt like a New Yorker.